In a statement, the department’s chief shariah prosecutor said the move to not pursue charges was based on Section 58(2) of Act 505 of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act and Section 181 of Act 560 of the Shariah Criminal Procedure (Federal Territories) Act 1997.

“Criminal charges were initiated in a civil court on July 13 under Section 298A of the Penal Code. From the point of view of the administration of justice, this is to prevent the accused from being charged in two different courts to achieve the same goal, which is punishment for the offences committed.

“Section 298A of the Penal Code provides for a heavier punishment. In accordance with the maqasid (goal) of shariah, which emphasises the approach of discipline in the administration of shariah crimes, it is hoped the accused will return to true Islamic practices,” it said.

The statement added that the case was already registered on July 13 based on preliminary investigations against Siti Nuramira and the first mention had been set for July 14 but was postponed to tomorrow.

Siti Nuramira was arrested yesterday by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) after being released on bail on a charge of insulting Islam, which she faced at the Kuala Lumpur sessions court.

The woman was supposed to be charged in the Shariah High Court here today, but was released by Jawi last night.

On July 13, Siti Nuramira pleaded not guilty in the sessions court to charges of causing disharmony among the Muslim community by saying she was a Muslim who had memorised 15 verses of the Quran and then removing her hijab and baju kurung during a performance on stage.

The offence was allegedly committed at the Crackhouse Comedy Club in Taman Tun Dr Ismail here at 6pm on June 4 under Section 298A(1)(a) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of five years, if convicted.